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Merlin Successfully Completes Critical Design Review for C-130J Autonomy Program with USSOCOM

Friday, June 5th, 2026

CDR approval marks the completion of the final design configuration for the C-130J, advancing the program to the aircraft integration phase

BOSTON, June 04, 2026 — Merlin, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRLN), an aerospace and defense technology company building the operating system of record for autonomous flight, today announced the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) for its C-130J autonomy program with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). Completion of the CDR is a milestone in the program’s maturation, validating the system’s design readiness and advancing Merlin from design development into aircraft integration activities.

This milestone positions the program to enter a structured formal test campaign, including aircraft-level testing, reflecting a disciplined systems engineering progression from design through verification.

The CDR is part of Merlin’s previously awarded IDIQ contract under its C-130J autonomy program with USSOCOM. The milestone supports a demonstration of Merlin’s C-130 autonomous capability development, showcasing the potential reduction in crew workload through all phases of flight. Under this contract, Merlin is rapidly advancing its AI-powered autonomy stack onboard the C-130J, with potential pathways for expansion across other Department of War or commercial aviation platforms.

“Completing the Critical Design Review validates the architecture we’ve built for safe, scalable autonomy on large aircraft like the C-130J,” said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. “We are grateful for USSOCOM’s partnership and guidance in this effort as CDR is another important step in demonstrating that our system meets the rigorous standards required for our USG customers’ real-world deployment. As we move into integration, ground testing, and eventually flight demonstrations, we’re focused on proving autonomy from takeoff to touchdown is one of the most effective ways to improve operations and safety for US warfighters.”

Posted in AI / ML, Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

UF PRO and Lindnerhof Conclude Successful Participation at SOF Week 2026

Monday, June 1st, 2026

LENGGRIES, GERMANY AND KOMENDA, SLOVENIA (29 May 2026)

UF PRO and Lindnerhof, both part of Mehler Systems, have concluded a successful participation at SOF Week 2026, held from 19 to 21 May in Tampa, Florida.

As one of the key annual gatherings for the global special operations community, SOF Week brought together military professionals, industry partners, and solution providers for direct exchange around current operational requirements and future capability development.

Following last year’s successful participation, UF PRO and Lindnerhof returned to SOF Week 2026, welcoming visitors to their presentation area in the West Mezzanine Lounge.

UF PRO presented a selection of tactical clothing designed for use across different climates and mission profiles.

Visitors explored hot-weather systems such as the Striker TT Combat Shirt and Combat Pants, all-terrain solutions including the P-40 Gen.3 All-Terrain Pants and Striker X Gen.2 Combat Pants, as well as rain and cold-weather protection systems including the Monsoon XT Gen.2 Jacket, Delta OL 4.0 Winter Jacket and Pants, and AcE Gen.2 Winter Combat Shirt.

Several systems were available for hands-on evaluation and try-on, allowing visitors to experience the fit, functionality, and material performance firsthand. Selected pre-release products, including the upcoming Striker Field Shirt, were also presented during the event.

Lindnerhof showcased a range of modular load-carrying solutions focused on adaptability and mission-specific configuration.

The display included airborne and abseiling setups featuring the Shikari system combined with a Quick Drop belt, belt-based load-carrying configurations, solutions for transporting heavier equipment, landing packs, and weapon retention systems.

By presenting complete configurations alongside individual components, Lindnerhof demonstrated how systems can be tailored to specific operational requirements and user preferences.

SOF Week remains an important opportunity for UF PRO and Lindnerhof to maintain close contact with the special operations community and better understand evolving operational demands.

Learn more about upcoming events: mehler-systems.com/events

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

AFSOC Unveils OA-1K Skyraider II Rapid Deployment Capability at SOF Week

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

TAMPA, Fla. —

During the annual Special Operations Forces Week conference, Air Force Special Operations Command unveiled a unique capability of its OA-1K Skyraider II.

To fulfill rapid deployment requirements and further provide expeditionary agility, AFSOC’s newest platform, the Skyraider II, is capable of rapid break-down disassembly and reassembly. In this broken-down state, one or several Skyraider IIs can be loaded onto a larger aircraft and moved during strategic airlift to a new location, overcoming the tyranny of distance. Upon arrival at its destination, crews can quickly configure the aircraft to a flyable operational condition.

“This capability is right in line with our vision of the versatility the OA-1K and its crews will provide to our teammates,” said Lt. Gen. Mike Conley, AFSOC commander. “The OA-1K offers a unique and modular solution for a wide range of operations, including armed overwatch, at a fraction of a cost of other platforms.”

The OA-1K was designed to be adaptable across mission requirements, whether it be close air support, precision strike, or armed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

“SOF teams will value the Skyraider II’s ability to operate alongside them in austere environments,” said Conley. “Whether you need an OA-1K to find, fix, target, or engage directly, it will adapt to the requirements of the mission at hand.”

AFSOC will have an OA-1K static present at this year’s SOF Week conference. SOF Week is an annual, week-long conference that brings together the international SOF community, industry partners and leaders across U.S. Special Operations Command.

While at SOF Week, AFSOC leaders will engage with key stakeholders that will utilize the Skyraider II in the future, while strengthening strategic partnerships across the SOF enterprise to accelerate collective modernization.

The first missionized OA-1K was delivered to AFSOC on April 3, 2025. Since then, formal training has been anchored at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, where operators are refining the platform’s specialized capabilities, including its rapid deployment advantage.

“The rapid disassembly and reassembly means, in a matter of hours, the aircraft can be loaded into mobility aircraft like a C-5 or C-17 for worldwide deployment,” said Lt. Col. Robert Wilson, AFSOC’s Armed Overwatch requirements branch chief. “With the OA-1K ‘any place, any time, anywhere’ is not just a motto, but an actual capability.”

ASFOC will continue to validate this capability in upcoming operational tests and during regularly scheduled exercises. The flexibility offered to the commanders employing the OA-1K ensures they always have dedicated overwatch while operating in non-permissive environments.

Air Force Special Operations Command

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Press Release, SOF, SOF Week | No Comments »

Anduril Introduces Voyager Gateway 1: Rugged Edge Compute for the Dismounted Operator

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026

Voyager Gateway 1 puts a full mission server on the operator, turning every soldier into a connected node at the forward edge.

Dismounted operators carry heavy loads of radios, batteries, sensors, and other mission equipment. At the same time, many mission applications still rely on bulky servers at the command post, forcing operators to carry additional communications gear and power sources just to stay connected. That setup, compute in the rear, operators tethered forward, doesn’t hold up in a fight where command posts are targeted, networks are jammed, and squads operate dispersed.

Anduril is addressing this problem with Voyager Gateway 1 (G1), a rugged, body-worn compute and communications system designed to fit within an operator’s kit. About the size of a radio, waterproof, and built to run on very little power, Voyager G1 combines compute, networking, and communications in a single wearable device. The system allows mission applications and edge AI workloads to run directly at the tactical edge instead of relying on servers in the rear.

Voyager G1 turns every dismounted operator into a node on the Lattice Mesh, Anduril’s software platform for connecting sensors, systems, and operators across the battlespace. The device supports data sharing, voice communications, and live video across dispersed teams, allowing units to continue operating even when disconnected from higher headquarters or traditional infrastructure.

Voyager G1 is built to live on the operator’s kit without adding to their cognitive or physical burden:

Warfighter First: Voyager G1’s innovative body-worn design minimizes the weight and heat experienced when carrying a computer, allowing the warfighter to travel faster and go further.

Ready for any Mission: The rugged, ultra-low power, and waterproof module allows for hours of extended command-and-control and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations—even in the harshest and wettest of conditions.

Versatile Connectivity: With both wired and wireless interfaces, special operations forces can easily adapt to any situation in denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited (DDIL) environments to communicate over a greater range of comms paths.

Voyager G1 has already been tested in operational exercises alongside Anduril’s Mission Autonomy software.

During a recent INDOPACOM exercise, the system supported autonomous sensing and target-sharing workflows at the tactical edge, enabling operators to identify and share information in environments where conventional networking infrastructure was limited or degraded. The exercise demonstrated how rugged,FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 19, 2026 body-worn compute can help small teams maintain connectivity and operate more effectively in contested environments.

Voyager G1 extends the Voyager product line with a body-worn form factor, delivering rugged, low-power compute and resilient connectivity directly to the dismounted operator. Like the rest of the Voyager line, it is built rugged first for employment in harsh environments—designed to handle shock, vibration, water, and contested electromagnetic conditions without compromising performance.

For more information about Voyager and the Voyager product line, visit www.anduril.com/voyager.

Posted in C5ISR, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

SOF Week 2026: AimLock and FN America Collaborate on Dune Solution to Update RWS for Counter-Small UA

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

At this year’s SOF Week event, AimLock and FN America will showcase the Dune RWS mounted on BC Customs’ SXV – XL- 6X6 ground vehicle

TAMPA, 19 May 2026 – Today at SOF Week 2026, AimLock, a pioneer in autonomous targeting and engagement systems, announced it is collaborating with FN America, LLC, on the Dune solution to combat small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The Dune features AimLock’s autonomy suite for networked, layered counter-UAS (cUAS) integrated into FN America’s FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM remote weapons station (RWS).

During the show, the Dune solution will be mounted on a BC Customs’ SXV – XL – 6X6 ground vehicle and on display at AimLock’s booth (#4306) in the Tampa Convention Center Outdoor hall. The SXV 6×6 is a purpose-built, rugged UTV (Utility Terrain Vehicle) capable of carrying up to 4,500 pounds, with 46 square feet of deck space and the ability to be transported internally via CH-47 with roll-on/roll-off ease. Powered by a durable Cummins R2.8 turbo diesel and heavy-duty drivetrain components, it delivers high performance, including sub-12 second 0–60 mph, while excelling in rapid deployment, infiltration, and extraction operations without requiring additional shoring.

As small, hard to combat UAS continue to complicate battlefield operations, solutions like the Dune are critical in updating existing RWS and enabling faster and more precise shots even in

the most complex engagement scenarios. Within the Dune solution, AimLock’s systems, powered by the company’s Keystone Core Targeting Module (CTM), will support FN America’s FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM RWS in delivering precision auto-targeting across key mission sets in cUAS, Force Protection, Direct Action, Integrated Defense, Strike Anti Armor, and Support by Fire.

The Dune: Integration of AimLock’s Technology into FN America’s RWS

The FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM RWS has been designed to fulfill the force protection mission through fire support and self-defense when mounted on light, medium and heavy vehicles.

It can be fitted with a variety of weapon types and enhanced with features like laser rangefinding, stabilization, and ballistic protection, allowing it to be tailored to different operational needs.

When integrated with AimLock’s Keystone CTM—intelligent computing hardware and software that combines sensor fusion with advanced fire control and artificial intelligence—within the Dune solution, the FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM is able to detect, classify, track, automatically calculate firing solutions, and supervise target engagement, such as small UAS.

“As global Allies modernize their warfighting capabilities against the proliferation of small UAS, it’s critical to provide them with solutions that don’t require complete system overhauls, but instead upgrade the platforms they already have,” said Bryan Bockmon, CEO of AimLock.

“The Dune solution, which combines AimLock’s proven targeting and engagement technology with FN’s legacy of creating state-of-the-art remote weapons systems, delivers on global warfighter needs as the battlefield continues to evolve in real-time.”

The Dune solution includes:

• AimLock Autonomy Suite for networked, layered cUAS

• FN DEFNDER® MEDIUM retrofit kit

• 30x113mm,12.7x99mm, 40x53mm, weapons compatibility

• Airburst programmable, proximity-fuzed, and conventional ammunition

In addition to having the Dune on display at AimLock’s outdoor booth (#4306), the AimLock team will also have an indoor booth (#448) in Tampa Convention Center Level 3.

Posted in AI / ML, Press Release, SOF Week, weapons | No Comments »

BDT UK Announces Exclusive Partnership with the London Proof House

Tuesday, May 19th, 2026

Tampa, Florida, SOF Week, 19 May – Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) has signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House, the UK’s statutory authority for the testing and safety certifications of small arms, to provide the advanced testing and proofing for the rifles it is putting forward to replace the current SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN.

The agreement will mean that, should BDT UK win Project GRAYBURN, the London Proof House will provide all weapon proofing to ensure either the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service. The decision to sign the exclusive agreement is part of BDT UK’s mature position on Project GRAYBURN and recognises the essential part that proofing will play as part of the UK manufacturing chain.

As part of the development of its proposal for Project GRAYBURN, the business has highlighted that testing and proofing of the weapons is likely to present a critical step in the manufacturing process that is often overlooked. This agreement is aimed at ensuring these steps are at the centre of BDT UK’s offering to streamline the process from weapons manufacturing to front-line fielding.

The London Proof House remains one of only two proofing institutions in the UK. It continues to operate under the authority of the Gun Barrel Proof Act and subsequent legislative updates. The Proof House is responsible for testing both new and imported firearms, as well as re-proofing older guns that have undergone repairs or modifications.

The announcement comes as BDT UK demonstrates its proposal for Project GRAYBURN at SOF Week, focused on the importance of manufacturing the British Army’s future weapon systems in the UK.

Jack Cadman, Military Group Manager at BDT UK, said: “Our exclusive agreement with the London Proof House demonstrates the development of our sovereign manufacturing model for Project GRAYBURN and our focus on limiting risk for the customer. Having a partnership with the UK’s leading proofing organisation will help streamline manufacturing, getting new rifles into the hands of our soldiers faster.”

David Miles, Proof Master at The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers, said: “BDT UK engaged us early in their bid preparation cycle and recognised the vital role that proofing will play in the manufacturing and delivery of Project GRAYBURN. This agreement represents a significant opportunity for the London Proof House, and we look forward to supporting BDT UK’s proposition to UK Defence.”

Posted in Industry, International, Manufacturing, Press Release, SOF Week, weapons | 1 Comment »

MOHOC Introduces Optac: NDAA-Compliant, Multi-Spectrum UAV Optics

Monday, May 18th, 2026

MOHOC, Inc., world leader in tactical helmet cameras, is leveraging its first-person imaging expertise into the booming FPV drone market with the launch of Optac™ cameras.

UAV platforms in the US (and increasingly abroad) are required to install NDAA-compliant components – most critically, non-Chinese electronics. Optac™, an NDAA audited and US assembled drone camera, addresses this mandate directly.

Compliance, however, is only the baseline. Dynamic mission capability is the differentiator. The Optac™ integrates daylight, low-light, and infrared imaging into a single camera system with a removeable IR filter cap. It eliminates the need for multiple sensors or payload trade-offs while enabling continuous operation across changing light conditions.

The patent-pending Optac™ also delivers ultra-low latency video output and is compatible with existing FPV architectures, including analog VTX systems. In addition to the fully featured model, a visual-only version is available for dedicated daylight operations. Both models meet SWaP and cost objectives essential to attritable and one-way effect platforms.

“The US and our allies must lead the paradigm shift in UAV warfare,” commented Connor Duncan, CEO at MOHOC. “We are honored to support Drone Dominance and similar initiatives with Optac™, not merely NDAA compliant, but innovative FPV optics to redefine the visual edge,” added Eric Dobbie, VP US Sales.

MOHOC is presenting Optac™ at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, May 19-21, booth 935. Meeting requests and press inquiries can be directed to Eric Dobbie (edobbie@mohoc.com).

Posted in Drone, Optics, Press Release, SOF Week | No Comments »

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation’s The SOF Auction & Raffle

Monday, May 18th, 2026

Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation (TFDSOF)’s SOF Auction & Raffle is open now and closes during the SOF Social held at Cubic’s Embassy Suites Ballroom on May 19th at 8PM EDT.

There are more than 130 items on the Auction & Raffle, the list includes a Limited Edition framed US flag, parachuted into Normandy for 80th Anniversary of D-Day, One of a kind Kitchen Knife Set Made from Damascus Steel recovered from the Twin Towers, Guided & Filmed Turkey Hunt in TN w. Spook Spahn, Lou Gramm signed guitar, Richard Childress Racing VIP NASCAR Experience, Mar-a-Lago Gala and Golf at Trump International, Custom Golf Fitting of full set of TaylorMade Clubs by Dustin Johnson’s Golf Coach a PGA Top 100 Teacher, Exclusive TFD branded bottle of Wolfburn 12 Year Single Malt Scotch, trips, firearms, ammunition, tactical items, clothing, outdoor products, golf products, sports memorabilia and many more

To bid on an item, sponsor a program recipient, buy a raffle ticket, or to learn more about this fundraising event, please visit: sofauction.cbo.io

This is the 10th year of the SOF Auction & Raffle, and we have raised more than $873,00 the past nine years of this event. Help us break $1,000,000 while we try to reach our goal this year of $300,000. All funds raised though the SOF Auction & Raffle will directly impact families of the Special Operations Community and 100% of the proceeds will be applied to TFDSOF’s three core programs: Immediate Needs, Rehabilitative Events, and the SOF Health Initiatives Program.

About TFDSOF:

Task Force Dagger Special Operations Foundation provides assistance to wounded, ill, or injured United States Special Operations Command members and their families. We respond to immediate needs, conduct Rehabilitative Therapy Events, and provide next-generation health solutions for issues facing our service members. Our cohesive programs improve the quality of life for Special Operations Families. To learn more about Task Force Dagger Special Operation Foundation, visit our website at www.taskforcedagger.org.

Posted in Fundraising, Nonprofit, Press Release, SOF, SOF Week, Veterans | No Comments »